If I write a blog article and post it, do I need to wait for it to get indexed before posting it somewhere else (Google Doc, another blog, etc) or does the timestamp show the bots which is the original source?

So you're going after the google docs landing page technique? Build relationships not links and you will get published. If you want to keep spamming you can do that but it won't work well for you. Challenge yourself to be inventive.

In terms of being new I'm practicing something you may not of heard of which is called humility.

Duplicate content isn't good though man, not because other people call it spammy but because google calles it spammy. But if you must put your copyscape through a spinner and enjoy never finding a home on the serp's. Also who are you syndicating to that would be okay with you potentially ruining their the pr/dr?

Whats so wrong with doing research and putting out data that is useful enough for a plethora of sources to link to you?